On 11 May 2017 the Uganda Communications Commission issued a strongly-worded warning to NBS Television in which it threatened to suspend the station’s broadcasting licence because of “the conduct and language” of a regular guest NBS Extra. According to the Commission the guest, former presidential spokesperson Tamale Mirundi, used actions and words that “were contrary to public morality and aimed at promoting a culture of violence and ethnical prejudice” in contravention of the Minimum Broadcasting Standards.

The station was given 60 days to respond to the concerns raised or face suspension.

It was the fourth time the Commission had cautioned and fined NBS Television for similar offences and came in the midst of concern about shrinking space for free public expression in traditional news media and social media in Uganda.

A day later, the NBS management released a statement assuring its viewers that it would remain on air. “We are currently handling this matter internally, in the meantime all business will continue as usual,” the statement read.